changing metadata across multiple variants

[KimALdis]

I was hoping changing metadata when Edit Selected Variants was on would allow me to make quick metadata edits to multiple variants but this appears not to be the case. Am I missing something obvious?

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

I was hoping changing metadata when Edit Selected Variants was on would allow me to make quick metadata edits to multiple variants but this appears not to be the case. Am I missing something obvious?

Hi Kim,

I assume that the "Edit all selected variants" toggle is more about edits of the image itself.

To replicate changes in metadata to multiple variants I just select all variants, activate the variant with the changed metadata, and use the "Copy adjustments to adjustment clipboard" tool (the double-headed arrow) at the top right of the Metadata panel where you changed the metadata. Then you can select the item(s) you want to carry over to the other selected variants and click "Apply" to immediately synchronize all selected variants.

Cheers,
Bart

[KimALdis]

Thanks Bart. I can't help thinking it's a bit round the houses but it's a workaround.

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Thanks Bart. I can't help thinking it's a bit round the houses but it's a workaround.

I agree, but it does add more control over what is replicated since one can include more or fewer fields in the same Apply operation than only what was changed in one field.

Cheers,
Bart

[KimALdis]

but sacrificing workflow speed, which is sometimes more important.

[David Grover / Capture One]

but sacrificing workflow speed, which is sometimes more important.

Edit meta data on the primary.  Select all others.  Shift click the UP/Down arrow in the Meat data tool.  Job done.

[KimALdis]

It would still be quicker if the changes were just applied to all the selected variants as the edit is made.

[KimALdis]

It would still be quicker if the changes were just applied to all the selected variants as the edit is made.

Actually,no, this is of no use at all. I need to edit a single metadata field on my selected variants. The above copies all fields.

I complained in another post on this forum about how Lightroom workflow was better than Capture One's. This is a good example, I think. Bart's solution is fine but you kind of don't want to have to think about this stuff, it's a distraction from your main thought flow. You want it to just happen. Workflow design is in the details.

[David Grover / Capture One]

Actually,no, this is of no use at all. I need to edit a single metadata field on my selected variants. The above copies all fields.

I complained in another post on this forum about how Lightroom workflow was better than Capture One's. This is a good example, I think. Bart's solution is fine but you kind of don't want to have to think about this stuff, it's a distraction from your main thought flow. You want it to just happen. Workflow design is in the details.

No, it doesn't copy all fields.  It only copies changes.

[KimALdis]

Apologies. Thanks.

Although I'd still prefer it if it did just edit into all selected variants. It would be quicker and more consistent with the way other parameters behave.

[JimDK]

What you wish for does work for one concept - presets. 

If you apply presets then when multiples are selected, it applies to all selected. No copy paste mashing required.

Useful for things like contact and Photographer info - especially when dealing with regular sources.
A nice strategy is to use this with stack enabled - then you can apply meta data in "blocks" which speeds up the process considerably.


(Not to say I don't hear you about the workflow "nuances". But hey - it might be useful)

[KimALdis]

:-)